Interview with Jay: A WHV in Australia after four years in New Zealand

Hi I’m Jay, I’m 30 years old, from the UK. I previously spent four years in Wellington, New Zealand. For the past 10 months, I’ve been living in Brisbane, Australia, working and exploring the local area.

I was working for Condor (the ferry that sails between my home town in Dorset and the Channel Islands) when I saw a job advert posted in our ship’s mess. The ad was looking for skilled workers to move to New Zealand to work on the ferries that connect the North and South Island. If I’m honest, I was interested in this role because I wanted to see the Lord of the Rings film locations! I took the opportunity to experience what New Zealand had to offer and I fell in love with the country and the Kiwi people.

I really wanted to live somewhere with a bit more sun and hotter weather so I could go to the beach more for sunbathing and surfing. Also, Australia is close enough to New Zealand that I can still visit my friends and Kiwi family!

I had a LOT of difficulties to begin with in Australia. I still struggle with some aspects. Firstly, the job market is crazy!! On a WHV, you can only work for the same employer for six months. When job hunting, I have been rejected HEAPS because the employers only see me as temporary. They’d like someone who can stay with the company as long as possible, but they don’t want to sponsor you because it costs the employer thousands of dollars to do so. I didn’t have this problem in New Zealand because I moved through work. My advice for others moving to Australia would be look at more casual or entry-level jobs, even if you’re a skilled worker, to get your foot in the door.

I’ve also struggled more with making friends. I think it’s easier in your early- to mid-20s to socialise and meet genuine friends through work or social meet-up apps, etc. Now I’m in my 30s, I feel like I’ve made more acquaintances than people I would consider true friends.

Nothing crazy in regards to differences compared to the UK. Although Aussies do love their drinking, to the point they have drive-through Bottle-Os (a shop that sells alcohol). Also, I find gym culture is a HUGE thing in Australia compared to back home; every man, woman and child here goes to the gym! Another cultural difference I’ve noticed, especially in Brisbane, is that Aussies love going to bed at 8.30-9 pm and waking up at 4.30-5 am to start work at 6 am, which is something my brain cannot comprehend.

To be honest, I feel social media has completely skewered Australia as a dream place to live. In real life, I feel it’s a lot less laidback than how Australia is portrayed in social media. Then again, that could just be Brisbane. It seems that the small beach and coastal towns are more relaxed.

Australia has super hot, muggy weather and spiders and snakes that can kill you. New Zealand has beautiful green scenery, rolling hills, rivers, magnificent mountains, etc. New Zealand’s weather is very similar to the UK, although it’s less rainy and hotter in the summer. Compared to Australians, I’ve found Kiwis to be way more friendly, laidback, and always happy to help with a smile on their face.

When my WHV in Australia ends, I’m looking to go back to New Zealand! I’ve applied for a sponsorship job, this time in the New Zealand countryside. Stepping away from New Zealand made me realise that it’s actually my dream to live there, so I’m finding my way back.

I think if it’s something you want to do, then go for it 100%! But, and I say with a BIG but, do your research first. Have a think about where you’d like to go and look up what kind of jobs and places to stay are available for working holiday makers before you arrive, so you aren’t stressed because you came with unrealistic expectations or budget.